Limes, raw & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 3.8 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 3.8/100g · GI 49.1 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Response
The Numbers at a Glance
Other Fruits and Fruit Juices Foods
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 34g | 3.6g | 1.3 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 67g | 7.1g | 2.5 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 134g | 14.1g | 5.1 | Friendly |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Better Alternatives
🍎 Olives, pickled, canned or bottled, green
GL 0.3/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.3g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Olives, pickled, canned or bottled, green & diabetes →🍎 Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties
GL 0.9/100g — Low GL
Fiber 6.7g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties & diabetes →🍎 Avocados, raw, California
GL 0.9/100g — Low GL
Fiber 6.8g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Avocados, raw, California & diabetes →🍎 Avocados, raw, Florida
GL 1.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 5.6g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Avocados, raw, Florida & diabetes →Common Questions
What do the numbers say about Limes and blood sugar?
Limes has a GL of 3.8 — in the lower range. The carbs are released slowly, or there simply aren't many carbs to begin with. As always, check your personal glucose response.
Where does Limes sit on the glycemic load scale?
Per 100g, Limes has a GL of 3.8. This means one standard serving (1 small) provides approximately 2.5 GL — which is low.
Does Limes spike blood sugar?
With 2.8g of fiber per 100g, Limes's GL of 3.8 means the blood sugar impact is low. The carbohydrates digest and absorb at a moderate pace. Pairing with protein and high-fiber foods can help slow absorption.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 49.1 for Limes is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Fruits and Fruit Juices category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Methodology & Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 49.1 — subcategory_avg:Fruits and Fruit Juices. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 67.0g) = 3.8 × 67.0 ÷ 100 = 2.5
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 168155. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Limes, raw — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/limes-raw/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.